14 Cartoons About Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Brighten Your Day

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

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

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos litigation exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you 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 in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.