Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the 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 complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos legal-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos settlement fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call 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 in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use 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 to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can 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 spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and determine if there is any lining thickening.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.