How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma lawyers cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist 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 could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. 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, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma lawsuit symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawyers and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.