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 may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos [http://gorillainvestment.Com] exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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 male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos attorney exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact 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 tissue there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

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 check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.