10 Facts About Mesothelioma And Asbestos That Will Instantly Put You In Good Mood
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions. It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician. What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium? Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and 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. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure. In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments. The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy. A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk. Symptoms Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to identify. As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart. The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common. The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal. Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. Diagnosis The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos. The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you. Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. 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 need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including 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 heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment. Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms. The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening. Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing. Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. new mexico asbestos lawyer involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.