Assistance for VAs: Lakeland CBOC
You can reach Lakeland CBOC at 3240 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33903 Phone: (863) 701-2470.
Tests for asbestos exposure should be administered to people who fit the description below. First off, there are some questions one should ask to figure out if asbestos exposure is an issue. These topics include: Do you think you have had prolonged exposure to asbestos? Are you an immediate family member of someone who has worked in asbestos-related industries? Have you worked somewhere where asbestos insulation was used? Is it possible your exposure to asbestos was in the form of a "burst exposure" (a very heavy concentration) to asbestos for short periods of time? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may wish to discuss this with your health-care provider.
In general, there is a group of diseases that result from asbestos exposure: lung cancer, asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). The main indicators of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, these warning signs of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.
Don't be afraid to question your doctor about your health.It is important that the initial testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Further tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. Doctors sometimes speak a language unintelligible to the layman. Weitz & Luxenberg is a proponent of the idea that all those who have participated in the United States Armed orces should receive the benefits they deserve. This includes compensation for life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer.
Coping with lung cancer can be exhausting. Weitz & Luxenberg can help relieve some of the burden by providing you with a free case evaluation. Your first step is to fill out the form below.
your next step . . .
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Learn more about services for Veterans available at Miami VA Healthcare System