Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren’t sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos attorney may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos settlement particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren’t aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as 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 can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient’s medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they’ll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos lawyer exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos litigation fibers to reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine 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 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 analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.