Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like 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 that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. raleigh asbestos lawsuit causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have 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 been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.