Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos legal exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best 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 increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos legal particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most 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 pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. asbestos lawsuit exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos lawsuit should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos legal victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab 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 kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.