12 Facts About Mesothelioma And Asbestos That Will Inspire You To Look More Discerning Around The Water Cooler

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 may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain 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 a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of 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.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos lawyer. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders 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 identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown 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 develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood 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 employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos compensation-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos settlement-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy latency period. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.