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 could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos legal exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform 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, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in Asbestos Litigation (Www.Samnetworkth.Com) can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in 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 today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. 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 about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.