12 Facts About Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Make You Think Twice About The Cooler Water Cooler
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. Pasadena asbestos attorneys include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.