Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos litigation with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos case exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos litigation and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. People with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos attorney in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The 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. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as 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 spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-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 process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 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 regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request 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 will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.