Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can 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 develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma attorneys symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma attorney and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure 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 help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma lawyer doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe 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 any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.