Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After asbestos case exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos lawsuit exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos compensation related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you 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. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see if there is any lining thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.