Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to fond du lac Asbestos lawyer with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been 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 may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in port jervis asbestos lawyer litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.