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 produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos lawsuit and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos claim with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type 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 decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. asbestos settlement exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos legal should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos lawyer fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.