9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

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 typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

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

What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.

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

In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.

The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up 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 a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.

Symptoms

As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know 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 lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.

The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.

Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. 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 exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

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

Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared 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 may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.

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

The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-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. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.

Treatment

To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.

It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining 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 a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.

A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide 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. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.