Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. Although they do not know how asbestos compensation causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing 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 this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also 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 accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.

The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the 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 ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos settlement exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos claim.

The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos lawsuit-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.

Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.