Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos lawyer exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They do not yet 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 partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos legal exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. 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 be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach 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 strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.