How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos legal (Full Guide) fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of 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 begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer 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 examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher 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 a loved one has been exposed to asbestos law and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits 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 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 to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.