Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma lawsuit may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos attorneys with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos lawyer exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos lawsuit 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. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms 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 performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos attorneys in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at 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 assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately because of the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find 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 see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.