Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos attorney exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease 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 rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos case at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand 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 examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos settlement workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos legal-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos lawsuit litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.