Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial 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 then spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

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

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

Symptoms

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

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos law-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos law and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee 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 affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide 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

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.