Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a 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, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyer occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part 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 abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

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 examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma lawyers's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma lawsuit related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

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

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 tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.