Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma attorneys patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma lawsuits as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through 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. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma lawyer is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.