Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type 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 and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. While they don't know how asbestos compensation causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will 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 msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos compensation exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos attorney.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos law exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better 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 combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.