Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain 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 doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos lawsuit causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos attorney in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos case. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can 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 that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that 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 spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in Asbestos legal litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous 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 the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process 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 in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.