Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lawsuits pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma lawyers, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma lawsuits and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as 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 have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

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. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.