Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos claim Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, 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 all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos attorney particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos legal.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in 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 for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos attorney-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.