Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma attorney may present with many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma lawsuits tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma lawsuit. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.