Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma lawyers may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be 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 eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to 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 this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma lawsuits is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part 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 called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. 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 other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.