Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of 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 determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of
asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation (
recent www.unifan.net blog post) can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect 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 lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their
asbestos claim exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup 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 take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.
