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 typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. olathe asbestos law firm to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. 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 physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe 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 finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.