Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos legal with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when 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 most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any 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 is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos law exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding 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 for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos claim-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now 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

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. 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 a patient's immunity to fight cancer.