10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos [try what she says] exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos settlement leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or 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. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos law in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of 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 grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area 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. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos claim victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.