Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos compensation is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining 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 diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. asbestos case exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos case fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos compensation in order to get the best treatment.

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 condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess 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 also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.