9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

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

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

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

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos lawsuit exposure.

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms 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 identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos lawyer 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 increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into 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 found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their 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 and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round 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 then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring 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 identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, 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 however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos (click here for more) exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek 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 aware of the many 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'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask 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 signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

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

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination 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.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.