Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos legal exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure 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 partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to 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 help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos legal. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos claim and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.