Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawyer is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos law.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened 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.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos legal, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a 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. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos attorney fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (more tips here) can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a 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 remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.