Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just 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 happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos claim exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos lawyer exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos law-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous 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 procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

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

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.