Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos attorney exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup 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 expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos settlement 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 your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos compensation in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can 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 decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on 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. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

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

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek 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 sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as 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 a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.