Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos law contributes to this type of 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 is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos settlement exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer 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, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis 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 are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking 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 properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos lawsuit can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but 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 tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos law and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (skydivepedia.pl) can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact 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 by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.