Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. 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 legal exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

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

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems 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 expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. 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 may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the 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 diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

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

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos law-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.