Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma attorney when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

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

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma attorneys based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested 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 mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at 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 assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.