Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos case fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos law exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee 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 knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos litigation so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored 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 combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.