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 usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos settlement exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those 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 may vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos compensation can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then 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, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos lawyer litigation; about his, can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must 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 locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.