9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

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

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a 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 check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos lawyer exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high 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.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

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

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.