Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos litigation and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos case with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos settlement particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

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, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos law and 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. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

asbestos settlement fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.