9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos legal particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. 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 pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. 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 conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. 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 with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately 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 Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos attorney fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.