Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician 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 mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma attorney cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos lawsuit can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos lawsuit in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos lawyer exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.