Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos litigation may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and 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 makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos law particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe 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 lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos case and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos lawsuit exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

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

Once the doctor has determined 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. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.