Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos lawyer can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to detect. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos case exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos claim exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims 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 guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos lawsuit fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.