Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos compensation exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

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

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos case will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms 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 is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from 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 developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos compensation. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. 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 mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood 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 have a high risk of developing asbestos compensation-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's 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 discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.