Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos case with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos attorney in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that 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 chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

asbestos litigation fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.