Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos compensation, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

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

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos settlement. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos lawsuit litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.