5 Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos litigation exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. 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 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos claim particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The 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 irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge 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 leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

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

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has 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 provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.