Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos lawyer exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, 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 is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos compensation-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos claim workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of 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 affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire procedure. 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 need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos settlement exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

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 order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.