Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

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

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. These 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 using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those with mesothelioma lawyer in their family have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history 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 who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get 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 aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs 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 develop. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma attorneys forms that are rare and is responsible 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 be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.