Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos lawyer exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos attorney exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos claim is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which 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. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the 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 diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos (Learn Even more) in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos compensation, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact 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 in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.