Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected 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 stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.