Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.

What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They still do not know exactly how asbestos litigation contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.

The majority of people exposed to asbestos settlement develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos case exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People 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 that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos settlement. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.

After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 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.

The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may 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 discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.

If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.