Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos settlement exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos settlement exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos settlement. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (click here to investigate) can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. 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 lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. 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 use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.