Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos attorney exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos settlement fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos case in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos attorney particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos case exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos (Http://www.letts.org/wiki/User:MyronK976095) fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can get 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 aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. 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 must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.