Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a 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. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma lawyer, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit (Read Home ).
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma lawsuits see a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.