11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions. It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor. What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body. Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos. In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions. The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy. A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk. Signs and symptoms Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose. When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart. The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common. The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In Baton Rouge asbestos lawyer , pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal. Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos. The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation. A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf. Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. 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 To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium. It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment. Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms. A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening. If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing. A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.