Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos case exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

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

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

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

A mesothelioma specialist will 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 lawyer exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos (this content). The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos case particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to 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 appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos settlement-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos case so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.