Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos compensation leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos lawyer. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos lawsuit particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify 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 experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos law fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

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

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

Many victims of 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 of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.