Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos claim exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician 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 recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand 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. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. asbestos claim exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos claim-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are 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 breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well 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 the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples 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 that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.