Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos settlement exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can 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 in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup 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 the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos compensation fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like 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, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos settlement (similar internet site) exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including 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 and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos claim litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost 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 knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an 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 require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.