Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

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

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will 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 could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary 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 attorney particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, 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 pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos attorney-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. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning 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 be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer 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 that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.