The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos claim-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos case exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately 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 show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos claim exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos legal and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.