Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos law develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

As asbestos lawsuit particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. 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 lawsuit-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.