Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long branch asbestos lawsuit time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by brownsville asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing 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 spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.