Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos claim exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos compensation exposure.

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through 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 recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

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

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos case-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos lawsuit and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation, this link, can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure 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'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.