Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of 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 look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos claim exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos lawyer could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos Litigation (allpackkorea.Com) can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.