The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

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

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The toxic 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 are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos claim exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos law in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past 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 will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos attorney should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge 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 various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid 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 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.