9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuit Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos law exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both 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.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos law workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos lawyer exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.