Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma lawyer can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can 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 can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos lawyer exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first 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 expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you 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 seek 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or 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 small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.