Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.

What causes mesothelioma pericardial?

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial 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 pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Signs and symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.

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

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work 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 qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.

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

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.

Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos lawsuit so that they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.

The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.

If the doctor is able to determine 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 a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.