Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits (supplemental resources).
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 understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. 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
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma attorney, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.