Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos settlement-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and 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 can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.

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, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos legal particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that 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 recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen 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 doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos case workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation [read more on Xmac`s official blog] can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. 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 properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

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

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.