13 Things You Should Know About Mesothelioma And Asbestos That You Might Not Know

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions. It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis. What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body. Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases. The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy. A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk. Symptoms Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work 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 recognize. Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart. The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal. Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos. Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells. connecticut asbestos attorney with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation. A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you. The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole 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 To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms. Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment. Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms. The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened. Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing. Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.