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 may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They still do not 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 in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos (this guy) particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order 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 the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos legal should be able to share their asbestos claim exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. 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 leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos attorney exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact 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 in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, 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 need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined 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. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.