Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2  percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms.  passaic asbestos attorneys  will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know 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 attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. 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 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 determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.