Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos lawsuits exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma attorneys tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known 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 determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos lawsuits, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as 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 previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on 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 physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos lawyer so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.