Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos compensation exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems 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 of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos case, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos lawyer victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.