Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos 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 exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up 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 the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos attorneys, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and 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 decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma lawyer symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the long latency period. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.