Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician 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 lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma attorneys it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a 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 check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as 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 a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit (visit the website).

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma lawsuit-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

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 it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options 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. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.