Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

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

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary 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.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

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

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk 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

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of 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 up to 60 years for asbestos claim fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.

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 the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.