Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos settlement exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos attorney may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer 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 an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos attorney-related history 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 can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get 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. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and 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.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide 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 the body's immune system to fight cancer.