Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos attorney leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos (visit these guys) fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not 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. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, 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 mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos lawsuit exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos claim litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and 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 in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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 whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.