How Do I Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To A Five-Year-Old

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions. These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis. What causes pericardial mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors. Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions. The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy. A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk. Signs and 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 accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to identify. When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart. The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common. After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition. Diagnosis Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. In arlington heights asbestos lawsuit , exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos. The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms. Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past 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 been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf. Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you. Treatment To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium. Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment. Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs. A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened. If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis. Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.