Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms 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 only in a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, sandy asbestos law firm can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 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 see a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.