Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos settlement exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has 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 are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.