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 type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos law leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos case can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers 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 developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare 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 in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally 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 may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to 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 lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

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

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid 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 samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.