Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between
asbestos lawyer exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
As
asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to
asbestos settlement. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to
asbestos claim 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 can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a
mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and determine if there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
