Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos law is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils 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 few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial 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 compensation exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos 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 fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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 determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos settlement-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.