Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart or biopsy https//vimeocom/703541044 can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too Symptoms Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity peritoneum, and then to the lining in the heart The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles However this is less common After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you Diagnosis The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors The heart is flooded with fluid heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion Contact us at 1-888-654-7635 You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you Treatment Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1 of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients Gene therapy is one of these methods It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer