How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To A 5-Year-Old Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up 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 exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also 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 many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. orem asbestos lawyer to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.