Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You 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 typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos claim exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

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

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering 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 pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People 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 get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think 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 a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

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

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, 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. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos (Celloquiver45.bravejournal.Net) 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 mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, 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 utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent 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 diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find 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.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.