Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

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 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos case, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos legal develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos claim.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (index) can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. 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 accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.