Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos case exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter 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 those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos compensation and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, 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 pressure that results causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos attorney and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma 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 collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.