Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share 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 is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. While they don't know how asbestos case causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid 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 a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos legal fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (take a look at the site here) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

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

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.