Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos settlement exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos settlement fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.

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

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. 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 inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

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 long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.