Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos legal in their workplace or in the home of those who were 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 stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos lawsuit. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover 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 well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos; visit web site, fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.