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 and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

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

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual exposed to poplar bluff asbestos attorney may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to elko asbestos law firm at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos 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 in the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety 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 can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.