Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos compensation Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

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 to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and 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 diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known 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 determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don’t know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

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

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient’s medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos lawyer.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos compensation and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 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 various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen 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 check for tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they’ll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and determine if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body’s immune system to fight cancer.