Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

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

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

asbestos attorney is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos case. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the 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 look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos legal exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent 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 or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

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. New treatment methods are being studied to 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 combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.