Asbestosis
Fibrosis or scarring of the lung tissues caused by inhaled asbestos dust or fibres becoming lodged in the lungs. The scarring causes increasing breathlessness resulting in disability. Signs of asbestosis can be clubbing of the fingernails and crackling sounds from the chest. Death may result from pulmonary hypertension and cardiac failure.
Mesothelioma
May also be known as diffuse mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer affecting the covering of the lung (pleura) and may also affect, though less commonly, the lining of the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma. It may take up to fifty years to develop but is linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma treatments are dependant on whether the disease has remained localised or has spread. Unless the malignant mesothelioma can be removed surgically there is currently no cure. The risk of mesothelioma is highest in those who have received heavy exposure but it can occasionally occur in people who have had relatively small exposure to asbestos.
Lung Cancer
A malignant tumour of the lung. The risk of developing lung cancer is increased by asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos and smoking will therefore significantly increase the risk of contracting lung cancer.
Asbestos related lung cancer treatment is the same as for lung cancer generally.
Diffuse Bilateral Pleural Thickening
The condition is not generally life threatening and may not cause any significant disability. Where symptoms do occur that can be largely attributed to asbestos exposure, there may be a case to make a claim for compensation. Common symptoms are breathlessness on exertion, a ´tight´ chest and chest pains. The condition is often progressive and if the thickening spreads it may restrict the expansion of the lungs causing significant breathing difficulty.
Pleural Plaques
These are areas of scarring and thickening on the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs and the chest cavity) which, except in very rare cases, do not cause any symptoms. The House of Lords decision not to overturn the Court of Appeal’s previous ruling means that pleural plaques are not entitled to claim compensation unless they are experiencing symptoms caused by the condition.
