How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos lawsuit fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. asbestos lawyer exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos attorney-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

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 laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.