Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by 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 and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. asbestos legal exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos case exposure background. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

asbestos compensation fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.