Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.

Signs and symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos case fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos legal (right here on wikimapia.org) and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for 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 also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos lawsuit and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos lawsuit exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may 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 discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.