Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos litigation exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

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

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos litigation fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can 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 discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.