9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos lawsuit will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can 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. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos compensation (news) particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos law exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now 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 for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.