Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos claim which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

As asbestos litigation particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos law may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call 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 with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better 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. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.