Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. 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 collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out decatur asbestos law firm or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. 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 inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.