Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers 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 and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuit in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important 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 will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.