Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos compensation leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma 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 occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact 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 there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood 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 medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos attorney and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos legal - find out here now --related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to 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 conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.