Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. 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 occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos compensation may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for 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, though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos legal - check out this one from 123flowers - workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos attorney exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos lawsuit fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to 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 identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined 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 conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.