Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this 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 a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos lawsuit particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors 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 mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos law, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history 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 developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos compensation to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.