Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos case exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

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

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

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

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform 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, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos settlement fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos lawyer workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.