Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows 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. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

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

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos compensation exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos case fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos attorney. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos litigation. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos settlement-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help 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.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

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

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

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

If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.