Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop 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 case.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos lawyer particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos case. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos Legal-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos settlement workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with 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 experienced in asbestos settlement litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. 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 properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.