Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also 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 decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. People with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma attorneys as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma attorney is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently 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. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

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 that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.