Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a 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 can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if 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 collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If sugar land asbestos lawyer detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup 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 take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.