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.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos attorneys exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. 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. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair 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. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much 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 and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

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

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos lawyers should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as 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 spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers 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 impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos lawyers so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% 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 signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine 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 perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.