Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma lawyers?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium 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.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend 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. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma attorneys, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
ften akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many 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 begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

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

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.