Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, 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 finally to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos settlement and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (click through the following page) can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos claim-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos legal victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, 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 reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their 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 also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.