Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos law leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop slowly and can affect 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 physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. People with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.

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 which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

When asbestos attorney particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another 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. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos settlement should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.