Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos attorney exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos settlement particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos law exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. asbestos legal exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos attorney exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, 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 risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a 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 order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.