11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
As asbestos lawyer particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (read the article) can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get 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 various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long latency period. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.