The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos lawyer exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

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

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos lawyer exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread 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 develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos law exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, 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 cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

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 which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have 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 recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos attorney exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately because of the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

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

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

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.