Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

asbestos compensation is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos case-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. People who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

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

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos claim and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective 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 condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess 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 areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.