Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos claim exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos claim exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.

Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around quarter of 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, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

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

A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers get swollen 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 conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos case fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.

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

Treatment

To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos settlement fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos law so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.