Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as 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 make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos case leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos settlement can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when Asbestos Law particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that 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 abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos claim fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos legal-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek 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 various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

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 variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.