Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos attorney exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all 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 exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can 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 may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos case. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos compensation-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos attorney litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. 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

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.