Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine 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 with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. 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
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. st joseph asbestos lawsuit is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.