Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order 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 lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos lawyer exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos compensation fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos claim fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure 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 with experience in asbestos litigation (browse this site) can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

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 help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 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 to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

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

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples 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 sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.