Though mesothelioma is not technically a form of lung cancer, it is often referred to as such by those who are not entirely familiar with the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma. This is a common mistake as many of the symptoms associated with mesothelioma are also typically found in individuals who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, including difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and dry cough. As such, it is not difficult to mistake mesothelioma for lung cancer. However, once a patient undergoes testing, biopsies and imaging scans, his or her physician can make a definitive diagnosis.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or would like to learn more about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma lawsuits and whether you are eligible to seek damages after receiving a diagnosis, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky. We can evaluate your case, free of charge, and help you determine if you have an asbestos lawsuit.
Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma
Symptoms of both asbestosis and mesothelioma include breathing difficulty in a patient as they typically affect the lungs. However, the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma is that the former is a chronic lung disease whereas the latter is a cancer in the mesothelium, which is the protective living that covers many of the internal organs in the body. Asbestosis has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer.
According to The Mesothelioma Center, the top five states with the highest number of lung cancer and mesothelioma deaths are California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. While lung cancer and mesothelioma can develop after asbestos exposure, each occurs in different parts of the body. Mesothelioma typically develops in the lining of the lung or other organs, while lung cancer develops in the lung itself. Any type of mesothelial cells can turn cancerous, possible causing the condition to develop in other areas of the body, including the lining of the testicles, heart or abdomen.
Although there are several difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma, mesothelioma is almost entirely the result of exposure to asbestos, while many lung cancer cases may be attributed to other causes such as use of tobacco and environmental exposures to second-hand smoke and radon gas. While smoking does not necessarily influence risk, it greatly increases a person’s chance of developing lung cancer.
An estimated 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are the result of exposure to asbestos, and the cancer often takes 20 to 50 years to develop after the initial exposure. On the other hand, 80 percent of all lung cancer deaths are the result of tobacco use, compared to the four percent that occur due to asbestos exposure.
Kentucky Plaintiff Files Asbestos Suit
Plaintiffs throughout the U.S. who have allegedly developed mesothelioma due to asbestosis exposure may be able to file a lawsuit against one or more liable parties in an attempt to seek compensation for their injuries. Recently, on March 21, 2014, the executor of the estate of a man in Kentucky filed an asbestos lawsuit in Kanawha Circuit Court against a large number of defendants, citing deliberate intent/intentional tort, post-sale duty to warn, misrepresentations, conspiracy, strict liability, breach of expressed/implied warranty, contaminated buildings and negligence. The lawsuit states that the decedent of Hitchins, Kentucky, died on November 8, 2013 of mesothelioma after receiving a diagnosis for the condition in July of last year.
Contact Attorney Group for Kentucky Today
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a lung condition or if you have concerns regarding the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma lawsuits and you would like to learn more about pursuing a claim, Attorney Group for Kentucky can answer your questions about and help determine if you are able to seek damages for your condition. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney in Kentucky who can work to protect your legal rights and file a lawsuit on your behalf. Contact us today for your free consultation.
