13 Things About Mesothelioma And Asbestos You May Not Have Known

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos law is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos attorney particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos legal exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

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 a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.