5 Killer Quora Answers To Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos settlement. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. 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 is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation; via Tadalive, can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.