Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by north palm beach asbestos law firm. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the 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 chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous tomah asbestos law firm exposure and perform imaging tests like 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'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood 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 occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. 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 need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab 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. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.