Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to
asbestos case exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by
asbestos lawsuit fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to
asbestos legal in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most 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 both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, 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 tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has expertise in
asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to see whether 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
