Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. 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. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to
asbestos settlement.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to
asbestos legal and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation (
Olderworkers published an article) can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
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. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.
