Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could 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.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
After asbestos exposure,
mesothelioma lawyer symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms
You Tube are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
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 conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.
