Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos claim fibers reach 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 typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos claim. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos lawsuit particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos legal (why not try this out) victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.