We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Mesothelioma And Asbestos We're Tired Of Hearing
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments. These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis. What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors. Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy. A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing 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 Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose. As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart. The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common. Albany asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition. Diagnosis Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos. The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run 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 physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit. A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you. The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today 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. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits. Treatment In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms. It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment. Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs. A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order 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 accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing. Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.