Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos lawsuit particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew 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 the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram 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 essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos settlement exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes 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 due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine if there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.