Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup 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 an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew 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 the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has 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. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. asheville asbestos attorneys may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to see if there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
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 kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.