Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos lawyer may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop 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 will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge 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 with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. 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.