Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial 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 litigation exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.

After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos lawsuit-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos lawyer exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out 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 to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including 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 essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see 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 in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.