Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma attorneys cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. While they don’t know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma attorney pericardial, although doctors aren’t aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma lawyers of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma lawyers or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don’t know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart’s function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.