Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

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

In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound 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. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk 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 the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos case particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos law-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

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

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos legal so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.