It s The Ugly Truth About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and 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 the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma lawsuits of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma attorney pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help 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
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation 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 pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawsuits, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a 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 will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.