Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos Legal and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately 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 law develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos claim, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. 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.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes 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. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.