Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma attorney tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover 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 knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma lawyers diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that 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 such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.