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 discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to
asbestos attorney with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best 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. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (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 site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then grow 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.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a
mesothelioma lawsuit (
Visit 3sv).
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have
asbestos lawyers-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial
mesothelioma attorneys doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.
