Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found 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 can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the 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 conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos settlement workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos legal exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

asbestos claim fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos attorney in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.