Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing 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

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally 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 can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos legal. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded 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 conduct imaging tests, such as 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 a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (mouse click the next article) can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.

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Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request 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 request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has determined 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 is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.