Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos settlement with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. While they don’t know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos legal fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops 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 abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient’s medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the 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 recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma’s presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos law exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover 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 knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos case victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 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 must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.