Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

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

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos settlement particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos compensation particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.