Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos claim exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos case exposure.

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 melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation - http://soljiero.com/bbs/Board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=258028, can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup 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 with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.