Help for Our Vets: San Francisco VA Medical Center
Do you need to contact San Francisco VA Medical Center? 4150 Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94121-1598 Phone: (415) 221-4810 or (800) 733-0502.
Learn more about the dangers of asbestos exposure and decide if you should be tested. First of all, there are some questions one should ask to figure out if asbestos exposure is an issue. The questions are: 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? Was yes a response to any of these? If so, you may wish to discuss this with your health-care provider.
Certain illnesses have been linked to asbestos exposure: 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), pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung) and lung cancer. The warning signs of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, these symptoms of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.
It is vital to see a doctor if you presume that you have been exposed to asbestos. Other ways of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Other tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. At times, doctors speak a language that may be unlcear to the typical patient. As a patient, you should be sure to question your medical professional about your condition. If you don't totally grasp your doctor, request that he clarify so you can better understand. Weitz & Luxenberg believes that all citizens who have participated in the United States Armed orces should receive the services they deserve. This includes compensation for deadly diseases such as lung cancer.
Exposure to asbestos can significantly affect your health. Weitz & Luxenberg understands this and wants to help. For a free consultation, fill out the form below.
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Find out more about benefits for Veterans available at Oakland Mental Health Clinic