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 may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos attorney is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos law, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos settlement.

Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos compensation workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation; by Poscotech, can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on 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 end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos legal fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.