Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos legal exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos case exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos compensation may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos law at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

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

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos litigation-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible because of the long latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types 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 may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.