Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos compensation exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos litigation. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos litigation exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.