Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos legal contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has 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 cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

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

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos lawsuit-related symptoms.

The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos litigation-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos legal and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.