Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos claim with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos case fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to 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 signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation; click the following page, 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.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos attorney sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their 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 the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and 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 can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.