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 kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos lawyer-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using 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 determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. People with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. 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 chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos attorney and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. 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 diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (you could try here) can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos lawsuit exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. 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, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied 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 to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.