Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found 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 testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos legal exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos case particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at 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 lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos case exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos compensation-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge 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 (easytay.com`s statement on its official blog)-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. 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 that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.