Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos case. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to Asbestos Legal. The symptoms may 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, an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. 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 will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos litigation can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos settlement could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

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

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is 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 if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts 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. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.