Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads 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 usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell 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 a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos claim.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos legal workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos compensation victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. 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 utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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 the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.