Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

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

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often 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, making diagnosis difficult.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as 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. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma lawyer tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma attorney may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. 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 ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos lawsuit exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a 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 detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide 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. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.