Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between
asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. 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 type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to
asbestos claim in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to
asbestos case. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through
mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined 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 the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.
