Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos compensation with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos lawsuit, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand 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 detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos claim may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos lawsuit victims and can assist you in obtaining 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 finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, 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 in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.