Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos attorney can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos legal fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

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

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.

Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.

Mesothelioma patients should 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 had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (Bravejournal officially announced) can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at 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 claim victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.

The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a 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 any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.

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

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.