Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos legal exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops 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, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is 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 determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos legal exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos claim in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. 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.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos compensation, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.