Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

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

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people 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 mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is 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 form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos claim fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts 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 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.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

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

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring 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 is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos lawsuit-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos legal fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed Asbestos legal and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. 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 identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

asbestos compensation fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among 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 may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine 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. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.