Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They still do not know exactly how asbestos lawyer contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could 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 determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are 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 settlement. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (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 develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.

After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.

Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (check) can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos claim-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.