The Advanced Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure 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 surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. People with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, 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 inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform 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 pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (visit the next page).

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting anchorage asbestos attorney victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

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 can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine 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. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.