Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos case exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

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

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos lawsuit should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos settlement fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.