Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma lawsuit in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of 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, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Signs and 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 makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken 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 the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then 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 will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawyer as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts 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 conditions 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 doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.