Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, 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 tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit (www.bitsdujour.com).

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma lawyers-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the 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 combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.