20 Questions You Should Always ASK ABOUT Mesothelioma And Asbestos Before Purchasing It
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions. It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis. What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body. Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, Carrollton asbestos attorney know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos. In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy. A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk. Signs and symptoms As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts 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 affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart. The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent. Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue. Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you. Diagnosis Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos. Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells. Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you. The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits. Treatment To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms. Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment. Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs. The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened. If the doctor is able to determine 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 the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis. Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.