The Ugly Facts About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma attorneys. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma attorneys specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those 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 which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma attorneys is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (Full Article).

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma lawsuit is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded 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 is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.