Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs 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 develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught 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 few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos case.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos claim. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos lawsuit fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos claim litigation (Smlabtech write an article) can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos legal-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step 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 also check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.