Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part 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. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help 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 recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma lawsuit and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (killer deal).

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.