Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

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 one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work 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 which makes it difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos case particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos compensation, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos claim could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (Read A lot more) can help understand your legal options. Contact 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 with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. 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.

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

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.