Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes bryan asbestos lawyer-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma attorneys of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

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

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk You Tube through the entire process from start to the end. 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 diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their 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 spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded 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. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.