How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma lawyers or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee 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 many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

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 between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

Once the doctor has concluded 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's malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.