Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

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

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. 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 will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos law.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation [reviews over at Ezen I] can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos claim sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. 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 you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.