How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent 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 that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma lawyers in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. People who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma lawyers, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like 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 tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma lawyer and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma attorney, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.