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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and mcallen conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos lawyers victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.