Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma attorney develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma lawsuits, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could 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 identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid 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 a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma lawyer are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for most mesothelioma lawyer tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra 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.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 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 about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.