Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is 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 the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the exact 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 tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 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 regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If missoula asbestos attorney spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.