How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos legal exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems 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 the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos case particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos law exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.