Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

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

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although 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 lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos lawsuit should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos lawyer and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos legal Litigation (www.gunbio.co.kr) can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost 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 litigation-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. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also 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 in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.