Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos lawsuits exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to You Tube if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series 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 take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.