The 10 Most Scariest Things About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

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

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. People who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart.  sunnyvale asbestos lawyer  of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

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

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

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 like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.