Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos legal exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos law exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos settlement exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos case fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos settlement-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 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 need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos claim to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.