Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following
asbestos litigation exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a handful of 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 to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is 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 the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to
asbestos litigation at work or in close proximity to those 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 may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays 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 expanding.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing
asbestos litigation related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in
asbestos case litigation (
you can look here) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is functioning and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight cancer.
