Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma lawyer cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal 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 only in a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma lawsuit tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma lawyer should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole 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 determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

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

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.