Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (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 following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos legal (Keep Reading) with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos compensation exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos law.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you 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

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos case-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos law workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart 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 time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens 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 to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.