Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

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

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair 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. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos compensation. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

As asbestos lawyer particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted 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 to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.