Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound 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. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma may 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 what causes pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge 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 many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start 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 diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

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

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

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.