10 Things That Your Family 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 type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other 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 inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend 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. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, 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 cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos legal fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos claim and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

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

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.