9 . What Your Parents Teach 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 kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos compensation exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about 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 instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops 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, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers 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 developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos case fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

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 perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos claim-related symptoms.

The 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 tissue there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various 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 calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid 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. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.