Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share 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, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (visit their website).

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma lawyers. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. 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 regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

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 the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.