Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma attorney include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma attorney in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also collect 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 trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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 assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek 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 lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure 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 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

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.