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 such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for many years. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. 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 by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and 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 that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many 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 which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. durham asbestos lawyer may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma 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 recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that 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'll guide 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 identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation 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 long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.