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 generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma attorneys pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation 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 is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma lawyer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of 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 most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to 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 that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the 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 also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Because pericardial mesothelioma attorneys has an enumeration of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.