Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms 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. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % 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 those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure 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 spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
ofallon asbestos lawsuit is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like 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 form. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to 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 in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.