Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawyer is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops 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 testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos lawsuit can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos lawyer fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits (Http://mapopet.org).

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails 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 the patient to fight cancer.