Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

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

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma lawsuits types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma Lawsuits [mozillabd.science].

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we seek 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 knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive 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 end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ different tests such as 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 see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

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 an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether 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's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.