Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos compensation. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. 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 lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos law. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where 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 with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. asbestos case exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (Ent`s recent blog post) can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos legal fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart 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 whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.