Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge 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 a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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 today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order 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 will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After pittsburgh asbestos lawsuit has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
