Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for 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 mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded 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 like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. mount pleasant asbestos attorneys run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. 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 exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
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 will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.