Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos claim exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

As Asbestos Legal particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors 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 pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at 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, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos claim-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

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

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup 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.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.