Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

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

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This 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 is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of clifton asbestos lawyer exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in pompton lakes asbestos lawyer litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Hugo asbestos Lawsuit fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.