Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which 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.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos attorney exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection 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 a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos compensation in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos settlement workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

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

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.