When a person in Kissimmee is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a scary prospect as to what will happen. This not only affects the daily life of the individual, but also the family. There can be massive medical costs, the aftereffects of treatment and the prospect of a shortened lifespan. One type of cancer that is particularly deadly and is often a work-related illness is pleural mesothelioma. Those who are diagnosed as having this disease might be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits for illness if they meet the criteria of the Social Security Administration.
There is a thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs known as the pleura. If malignant cells are discovered there, then this is pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is frequently a cause of this cancer. This cancer is relatively rare with an estimated 2,000 arising in the U.S. annually. Those who have worked with asbestos are vulnerable to this cancer with up to 80 percent of the diagnosed cases falling into this category. It sometimes lays dormant for up to 50 years before symptoms arise. There could be chest pain and feeling short of breath as the initial symptoms that a mesothelioma victim will suffer from.
It can be hard to diagnose this disease because there are numerous medical problems that show the same signs. Doctors can use various techniques – MRI, x-ray, CT scans – to see if there is the presence of mesothelioma. It will also be necessary to perform a biopsy or a doctor might take a tissue sample. This is a difficult cancer to treat and effective treatment often hinges on the progression of the disease. The survival of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma is relatively short in comparison to other cancers.
With this disease, it can be difficult for the victim to be able to hold a job that requires any form of exertion at all. In many cases, the person will not be able to function normally and contribute to the household. Because the disease is so severe, filing for disability is an option that people diagnosed with mesothelioma should consider. Speaking to a legal advocate with experience in helping people with cancer and other illnesses to receive benefits can be beneficial.
Source: ssa.gov, “DI 23022.275 Pleural Mesothelioma,” accessed on June 23, 2015
