5 Killer Quora Answers To Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions. It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis. What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body. Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos. In clovis asbestos lawyer , a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions. The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy. A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk. Signs and symptoms As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause. As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart. The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common. The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform 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'll also take samples of fluid or tissue. Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos. Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing. Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit. A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf. Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits. Treatment Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium. Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment. Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms. The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened. Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further. Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.