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 generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

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 mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos claim in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos settlement and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos case workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos lawsuit related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has 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 free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining thickening.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.