Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos lawyer exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos lawsuit particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum 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. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos Litigation (colorroom.Net) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos settlement exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.