Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to Asbestos legal exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can 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 the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform 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 as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos legal-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos settlement to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.