Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma lawsuit types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found 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. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician 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 the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

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 responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma lawsuits tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuit can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma lawyers or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine if 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 their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.