Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos legal-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos legal exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos attorney.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect 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 the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos legal litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded 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 will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.