Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos litigation exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos compensation-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell 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 any previous exposure to asbestos attorney, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. asbestos lawyer exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making 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 symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. 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 extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.