Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.

What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. These 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 the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.

Symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos case fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos law. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.

The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos (http://www.stes.tyc.Edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/Userinfo.php?uid=1930359), and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos case-related symptoms.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.

Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos claim 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 help you through the entire procedure. 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 be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.

A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. 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 discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.

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 the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.