Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be 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 then form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos law exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos litigation fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren’t aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. 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, but this is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient’s medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will 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 physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren’t sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma’s presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it’s essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos attorney to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover 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.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.