Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos attorney exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

asbestos legal is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for decades. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos (visit the up coming article) should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos law-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos lawyer fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's 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 grow. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.