Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or 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 an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma lawyer in just a handful of instances. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

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 may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell 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 specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos lawyers should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but 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 tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

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 numerous laws that impact asbestos victims 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 procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos attorneys in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.