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 typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.

It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos case at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.

After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos lawyer could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 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 utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos case so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup 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 them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.