Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual exposed to mcallen Asbestos lawsuit may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty 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 determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos lawyers and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam 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 to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

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