Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos case causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread 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 tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure 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 can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos settlement-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a 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 check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue 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 treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.