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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may 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. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

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

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and

observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or

tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.