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.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest 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. While they don't know what causes asbestos claim-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will 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. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain 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 many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 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 to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.