The 10 Scariest Things About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like 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 is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through Mesothelioma lawsuits (glamorouslengths.com).

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. 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

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately because of the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma attorney cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.