Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

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

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos claim. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes 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 about past exposure to asbestos lawyer and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos (more helpful hints) fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

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

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.