Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos attorney exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

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

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous 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 isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (he said) can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

asbestos legal fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.