Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos legal exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos legal exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos compensation so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.