Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma lawsuits that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma attorney types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering 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 developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

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

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.