Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos law exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos case leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

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

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos lawsuit can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos lawyer-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (relevant webpage) can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.