Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound 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 find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient’s medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn’t recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos lawsuit.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (Highly recommended Reading) can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos litigation victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to 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 doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning 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 it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.