Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

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

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos legal, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate 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 is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos settlement exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

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

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.