Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell 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 biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos 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 the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma attorneys may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma attorney, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma lawyers and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.