The terms “mesothelioma” and “asbestosis” are often used interchangeably. While the symptoms of asbestosis vs. mesothelioma are similar and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dry cough and shortness of breath, if you believe you are suffering from asbestos exposure, consider discussing your symptoms with a physician to receive a proper diagnosis. Additionally, those who have developed asbestosis or mesothelioma may have legal recourse and may be able to recover damages for their condition. To learn more about asbestos vs. mesothelioma lawsuits or to determine if you have an asbestos claim, contact Attorney Group for Alabama.
Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma: What is the Difference?
Those considering pursuing claims for compensation may wish to determine the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma prior to filing lawsuits. Whereas mesothelioma is a form of cancer, asbestosis is a chronic lung disease and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestosis typically occurs in people exposed to roofing, certain types of insulation, and building materials as employment in certain industries may increase the risk of asbestos exposure. According to medical experts, asbestosis progresses until the patient suffers from pneumonia or complete respiratory failure.
Mesothelioma, on the other hand, develops in different parts of the body including the heart, the testicles and the lungs. The cancer manifests itself in the linings of the organs, and many patients may find it difficult to breathe. Common diagnosis methods include CT scans and pleural biopsies, and treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of one or more methods.
Additionally, while asbestosis is not a cancer condition itself, it does increase the patient’s risk of developing cancer. Statistics indicate that 80 percent of deaths occurring from lung cancer are caused by tobacco use, and 80 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses occur following long-term asbestos exposure. Those who believe they have developed one of these conditions or who have questions about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma lawsuits may consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about their rights in Alabama.
Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma in Alabama
Although Alabama has no history of mining asbestos, use of the mineral spanned several industries before the 1980s when it was first recognized as a human carcinogen. Before then, it was common for manufacturing and industrial companies to use the mineral for a variety of applications due to the mineral’s insulator and heat control properties. Prior the ban and regulation of the material, most were unaware that exposure to the mineral could lead to mesothelioma or other life-threatening diseases.
Workers in Alabama were exposed to asbestos, as the use of the mineral was once prevalent in mills, power plants, shipyards and other industrial facilities. NASA facilities in Huntsville and government buildings in Mobile were built from asbestos, exposing unprotected workers to dangerous fibers that are known to cause respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Several Alabama jobsites with confirmed exposure to the mineral include:
- United Rubber Workers International Union
- Sanmina-SCI Corporation
- RockWool Manufacturing Company
- Farley Nuclear Plant
- Moore Dry Dock Company
- Alabama Dry Dock & Shipping Company
- Bender Shipbuilder & Repair Company
Do You Have Questions about Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma?
Asbestosis, mesothelioma and other diseases do not typically develop until at least 10 years following exposure. If you or someone you love has been affected by asbestos exposure and believe you have a claim, contact Attorney Group for Alabama to learn more about your legal rights. We can help answer your questions, evaluate your case at no cost and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
