Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

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

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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 in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those who have naperville mesothelioma attorney-related family history have an increased risk as well.

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 makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. 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 inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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 you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have 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 call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and Youtube.com check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.