Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using 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 help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can 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 develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though 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 finally to the lining inside the heart.

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

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos attorney exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos settlement fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct 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 medical history with a doctor. asbestos lawyer workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos lawyer could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

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 disease. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.