Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos legal. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos case-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos lawyer and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (get more info) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of 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 see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

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