10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

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

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma 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 conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of 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 begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. 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 travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one 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 a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos lawsuit-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to 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 can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe 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 assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

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. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.