Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

asbestos legal is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos lawsuit exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos litigation. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become 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 previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos litigation-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they detect 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 that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.