Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically 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 which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos compensation develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties 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 an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos settlement exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos compensation fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure 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 you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain 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 well-versed in the numerous 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 by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or 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 remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.