Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos case exposure with their physician.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which 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 type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is 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 can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart’s tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn’t acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos claim exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos litigation-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they’ll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.

Once the doctor has determined 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 is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.