Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

asbestos law is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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 testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos attorney fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos lawyer workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost 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 aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide 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

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results 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 strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.