Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.

The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

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

Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren’t sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos attorneys exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung’s lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart’s tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (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 site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they’ll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos lawyers exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma 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 may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.

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 in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart’s function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.