Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs 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.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos case exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos law-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The abdomen and chest are 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 common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate 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 can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos Legal workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

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

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest 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 observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.