Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and 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 diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma attorneys include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma lawsuits tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma lawyers on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine 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 a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.