Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos compensation exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this 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 the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops 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 then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area 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 common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect Asbestos Legal victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.