Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of 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 in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma lawsuits tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers 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 affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs 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. Because of this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can 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 discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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 whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.