Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest’s lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos compensation develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung’s lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This 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 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 cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

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

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient’s medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos case exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any 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 expanding.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos lawyer may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos legal – a cool way to improve, victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

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 it’s malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory 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 disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.