Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don’t know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient’s asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn’t recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making 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 reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos attorney fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos lawsuit exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by 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 to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there’s an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient’s breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine 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 remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.