Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining pericardium This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos This makes it difficult to determine the cause The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 of all mesothelioma cases Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for a long time The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25 of mesothelioma sufferers are affected This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart or a biopsy A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial A family history of the disease also increases your risk Signs and symptoms Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases 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 form tumors which thicken the membrane Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs the peritoneum and then moved to the lining of the heart The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition Diagnosis The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us We will help you through the entire process Contact us at 1-888-654-7635 Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits Treatment In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1 of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat https//vimeocom/704887682 may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients Gene therapy is one such method It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer