Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos claim exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos law exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos litigation develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos law fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos attorney particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing 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 show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

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 irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain 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 well-versed in the various laws that impact 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 walk 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

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

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

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.