Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos claim and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. While they don't know how asbestos legal causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos legal particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After asbestos compensation exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. 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 work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. 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 must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use 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 to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage 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 in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.