Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos lawsuit exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can 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 msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which 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 living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various 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 don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready 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. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

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 is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.