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 produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos claim leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that 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. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos settlement particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos law-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through 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 you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various 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 heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.