Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all 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 items for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

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 don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past 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 confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests 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 history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos law-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. 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 diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to Asbestos legal so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.