Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a 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 diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine 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 can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and 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 can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos law fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.