A Vibrant Rant About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawyer, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawsuits and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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 assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.