Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

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

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos legal - linked internet page, exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos litigation.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

As asbestos lawyer particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved 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 tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos settlement. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take 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. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

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

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 you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options 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 another option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.