Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos lawsuit exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos compensation develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos litigation at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their 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 into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high 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.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos settlement and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims 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 help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, 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 reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated 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 the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.