Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawyer is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos lawyer fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos legal particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as 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 called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (visit this link) can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.