Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos (click here to visit psy.gwangju.ac.kr for free) Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly 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 may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the 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 other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos lawsuit particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos 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 migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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 know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

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

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.