A Provocative Rant About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos case exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos lawsuit contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos lawyer exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos attorney exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos legal should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation, relevant site, can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee 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 various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.