Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.

It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos claim exposure.

asbestos litigation is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos lawsuit, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos law should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. 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 developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos attorney exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.