Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are 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 symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
santa barbara asbestos attorneys identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that 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. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of 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 that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood 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 physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide 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
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.