Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

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 accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos settlement should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos lawyer-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans 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 claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos attorney fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is 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 remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.