Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos claim exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos lawsuit exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos law can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos settlement fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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 (Bio-Art.Org) can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

asbestos claim fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

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

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

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.