Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos lawyer exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos lawyer and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and 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 also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

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

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe Asbestos legal particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many 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 removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.