Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma lawsuits generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

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

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled 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.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from 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 could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover 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 that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.