Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create 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 this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos litigation exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos law in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (simply click the up coming article) can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos settlement-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from start 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 regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.