Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawsuit, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos lawyer exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent 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 involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos lawyers exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize 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 trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma lawyers and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma lawsuit cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.