Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma lawyers. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand 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 look at the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.