Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, 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, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos compensation fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos case exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos lawsuit exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos lawyer to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.