ASBESTOS TESTING
Health care services for military veterans at the John J. Pershing Medical Center

Contact information for military veterans to test for exposure to asbestos: John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, 1500 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Phone: (573) 686-4151.

There are certain individuals who are more easily injured by exposure to asbestos. General attributes of these people are those that have had contact with asbestos through a "burst exposure" i.e. a very heavy concentration of asbestos in a limited amount of time, difficulty breathing, long-term dealings with asbestos, or friends or relatives of people who have involved themselves with asbestos-related areas even if the former employee asbestos has no obvious signs of exposure.

Four specific diseases are associated with 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, the detectable signs 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 a necessity to seek a professional opinion if you presume that you have been exposed to asbestos. One form 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. Doctors sometimes speak a language that is baffling to the layman. You should not hesitate to ask your doctor about your status. If you don't totally grasp your doctor, have him put it in plain words so you can better comprehend.

Weitz & Luxenberg believes that all men and women who have participated in the United States Armed orces should receive the benefits they deserve. This includes compensation for deadly diseases such as lung cancer.

If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, allow us to help. It's never too late for a free case evaluation. The form below begins the process.

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