Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for many years. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos legal exposure.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The 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 suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted 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 develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos settlement workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.

Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.