Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (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 manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can 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 correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos case.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos case fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos attorney-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos settlement victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

asbestos case fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.