Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos lawyer exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

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

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation 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 specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos lawsuit particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos legal litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos lawsuit-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that impact 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 by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor 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 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. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.