Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

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

Most people who are exposed to asbestos settlement develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist 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 can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos claim at work or in close proxihe symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos law and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation - check out here - can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.