9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

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

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, 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 many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

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

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective 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 who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos claim fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect 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 cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for 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 if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.