Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma lawyers specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma lawyer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first look over 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 also check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.