Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos law exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about 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 the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos claim exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

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 has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos case exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos legal victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult 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 (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.