Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos claim with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos litigation causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos lawsuit develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos claim workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.