It's The Ugly Truth About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly 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 show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have 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 help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once  Plantation asbestos lawyer  has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.