Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuits such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawyers as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

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 can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will 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

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma lawyers forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine 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 remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.