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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make a correct 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 surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2  percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion.  Elk Grove asbestos lawyers  can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician 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 the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to provide 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.