Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma lawsuit pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos lawsuit exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma lawyers expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective 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. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma attorney, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. 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 should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits (source for this article).

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. 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 need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since 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 request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.