Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and 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 enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos litigation particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos claim-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.