Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos case and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos lawyer develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with 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 find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another 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 both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos legal workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos law fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to 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 to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.