Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally 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 and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos case exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos claim leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all 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, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.

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

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 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 affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although 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 in the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, 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 are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in 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; see this page, can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure 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 procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

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 long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos claim so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.