Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can 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 physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best 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. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos compensation in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken 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 another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos law (Click Link). These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos lawsuit exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors 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 to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you 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 free consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos attorney fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.