Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

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

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos legal will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

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 the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos law.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover 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 assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also 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 inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes 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. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.