Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by aintment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos lawyer exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos law exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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 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 get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

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 is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.