Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup 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 suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos settlement in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos lawyer could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive 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 point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.