Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos lawyer develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos attorney in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another 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 of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos attorney may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (saerodental.Com) can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that 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 help 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 determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.