Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

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

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

asbestos litigation is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers 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 though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos compensation and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos law workers face 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 a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos litigation-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure 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 from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.