Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
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 among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation 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 an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos compensation exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos settlement can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit (on front page).
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos attorney and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos lawsuit sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen 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 check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.