Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other 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. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma lawsuits that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma lawyer specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective 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. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been 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 pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which 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. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma lawsuit tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify 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.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you 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 determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. 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

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma 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 mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.