Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos case exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos settlement leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos lawyer exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running 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 help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

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

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including 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 law and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos (http://sungchol.org/bbs/board.php?bo_table=test&wr_id=116504) exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is 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 are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.