Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos lawyer exposure.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos law should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has 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 can 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 will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. 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, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

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

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.