Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos settlement. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos litigation exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos litigation-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos law and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation 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 will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.