How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos attorney exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos claim and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in Asbestos Litigation (Www.Itranslate.Co.Kr) can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos law to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.