Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos law exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos compensation exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation - Recommended Web page - can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos lawyer fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy 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 them to a lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.