9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it 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 aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos attorney exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos case-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when Asbestos - Www.Engel-Und-Waisen.De - fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos claim exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the long latency period. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of 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 conditions or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.