Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos compensation in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos law. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

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

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation; visit the up coming webpage, can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.