Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected 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 swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. lowell asbestos lawsuit aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that 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 done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results 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 aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.