Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma attorney is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to 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 correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma lawyer can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests 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 work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

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 that affect asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined 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 remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.