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 usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

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

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup 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 biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos settlement in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. 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. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all 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 properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos legal should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos lawyer fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos case workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced 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 recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos - you can look here, exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos lawsuit so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better 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 certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.