10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos compensation is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos settlement, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

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 between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.