Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best 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. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

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

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to 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 in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos lawsuit exposure should be able to share their asbestos lawsuit exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the 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 risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has experience 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 today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can get 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 affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma attorneys seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding 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 a patient to fight cancer.