20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos attorney contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which 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 ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays 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 spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos lawyer-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

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 understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

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

Once the doctor 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. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.