Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after asbestos legal exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

asbestos lawyer fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.