Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma attorneys cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma lawsuit types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and 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 originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma lawsuit should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has 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 today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can 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 knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order 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 samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.