This Week s Top Stories Concerning Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma lawyer, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma lawsuit, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma lawsuit in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is what causes 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 lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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 asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 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 must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.