Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found 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 approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when
asbestos litigation particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that
asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common 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 of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through
mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos 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 is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.
