9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos (information from compravivienda.com) in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos law particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform 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 collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades 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 history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers 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 victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos lawsuit so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.