Expert Advice On Mesothelioma And Asbestos From A Five-Year-Old

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs 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. The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor. What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors. Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions. The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy. durham asbestos attorneys can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective 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 also increases your risk. 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 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart. The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common. After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis. Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos. The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation. If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf. The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of 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 receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you. Treatment In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium. Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment. Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms. A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened. Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis. A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.