Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos ExposurePericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can 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 can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best 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. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.Signs and symptomsLike other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. mesothelioma asbestos lawyers don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. 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 a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.DiagnosisDiagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.TreatmentTo be able to accurately 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 determine the symptoms.It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any lining thickening.If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.