Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper 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. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos compensation exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and 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 accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos settlement-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos compensation-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order 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 require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their 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.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.