Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos law exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found 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 may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This 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 is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective 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. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected 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 particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos attorney.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos compensation-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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 can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.