Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history 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. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and 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 reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos attorney in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos [Suggested Reading] particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up 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 a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. 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-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

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

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can get 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure 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 walk you through the entire process from start 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 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 heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine whether 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.