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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma lawsuit patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

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

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can 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.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. 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, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area 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.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as 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 a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma lawyers or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawyer as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you 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.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. 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 conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

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 vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step 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 to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.