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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos litigation exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has 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 as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos law in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos settlement. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring 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 properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos settlement workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos law-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 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 identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.