Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos lawyers exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which 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 also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos lawsuits. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit [Silverspoon-love.com].

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning 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 must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos lawyers exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.