Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective 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.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To confirm miami beach asbestos attorneys will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with 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.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.