Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma attorney symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma lawyers's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent 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.

A doctor will first assess 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 to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

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

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to improve the 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.