Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos lawsuit exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos settlement fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, 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. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (www.dotank.kr) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is 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 in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos lawyer victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. 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 should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.