Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos lawsuit develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos law fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring 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

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos legal and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos claim litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with 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 today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of 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 the cancer.