Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

asbestos legal is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos legal exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using 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. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos Legal particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot 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 spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

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

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.