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 typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also 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. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos litigation.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair your 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 identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos case particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos legal should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos settlement-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos case litigation [More Information and facts] can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get 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 knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.