Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they aren’t sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos legal exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung’s lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos case particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient’s medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos compensation-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. 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 in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there’s fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it’s important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.