20 Questions You Need To Ask About Mesothelioma And Asbestos Before You Buy Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma lawyers. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as 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 mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra 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.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
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 laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid 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 crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.