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 type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad 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 result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately 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 exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos claim develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people 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 mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos lawyer exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos settlement-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (what google did to me) can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that 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 whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order 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 utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

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

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the 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 also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage 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 approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.