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 usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest’s lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos settlement.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is 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 form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos legal at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos settlement workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos claim-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

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

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it’s essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among 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 in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient’s breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they’ll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person’s body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.