Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos law exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts 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 those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos attorney particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos lawyer exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide 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 identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos lawsuit exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.