How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To A Five-Year-Old
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma attorney that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma attorneys tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with 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. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring 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. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits (click through the next article).
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, 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 to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma lawyer, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory 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 researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.