How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions. These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician. What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range 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 eventually spread throughout the body. Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure. In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a 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 also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy. A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your 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 all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. bakersfield asbestos lawyer do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart. The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual. Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis. Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from. Diagnosis Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos. Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. 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 irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms. Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading. Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you. Treatment In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium. Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment. Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs. A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to see if there is any thickening of the lining. After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis. Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.