Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. mesothelioma attorneys is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma lawsuits. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a difficult cancer to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.

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

Treatment

In order 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 use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.