Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos claim can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing 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 symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos compensation.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos compensation-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. 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 must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.