Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos attorney exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and 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 the symptoms of other heart diseases.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as 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 if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger 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 previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos attorney-related symptoms.

The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos law related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.