Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

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

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos case fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos attorney and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos lawsuit litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos law victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a series of 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 fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos legal so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check 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 buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.