Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma lawsuits that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma attorneys develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that 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 tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma attorneys's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients with mesothelioma attorney should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

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

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.