13 Things About Mesothelioma And Asbestos You May Not Have Known
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions. It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician. What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial? Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body. Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. lubbock asbestos lawsuit is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases. The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy. A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk 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 mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart. The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue. Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos. The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of 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 spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells. Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit. A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you. Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you. Treatment In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium. Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible. Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs. The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening. If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing. Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.