Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos case exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos legal exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos (click the up coming web page) exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos lawsuit-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos lawyer exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we seek 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.