Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma lawsuits expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of 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 inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma lawsuit or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can obtain 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 well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

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

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.