Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the 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 if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found 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 is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma lawyers pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit (your domain name).

A lawyer with experience in asbestos lawyer litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.