Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

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

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid 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 will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.

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 one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.

As asbestos settlement particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos law exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (Read the Full Piece of writing) can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.