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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos claim exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos compensation exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos compensation victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.