Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos attorney with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos case exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms 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 is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. 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 spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (Learn More Here) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos lawyer sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. 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 rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

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

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.