Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos lawyer exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos law. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (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 the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

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

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 illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. 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 and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos legal victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe 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 to check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.