Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association 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 happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos law fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. 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 who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.