9 . What Your Parents Teach 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 kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain 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 way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos case exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos settlement may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose 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. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type 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. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this 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 breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen 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 legal exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, 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 fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos claim-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many 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 entire process from start to the end. 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 use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.