Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma attorneys, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung’s lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify 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 this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into 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 discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient’s medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could 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 travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma lawsuits diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted 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 find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart’s functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.