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 like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

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

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup 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 determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, 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 all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos lawsuit.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos law fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos legal litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos Legal victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. 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 in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. 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 an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup 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 remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.