9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos lawsuit fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos claim. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos - simply click the following internet page, particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos settlement fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos compensation victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.