Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught 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 a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos attorney exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos compensation in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in 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 look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run blood tests 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 work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in 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 by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.

Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.