Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health 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 exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos claim develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos case exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.

Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos attorney related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (use Thoughtlanes here) can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

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

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

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

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.