Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's
asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos (
top article) in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to
asbestos compensation. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to
asbestos settlement and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims 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 guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their
asbestos attorney exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for
asbestos lawsuit fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
