Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos lawyer exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside 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 may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos legal. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (see this site) can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos legal victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an 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'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.