Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair 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 a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in 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 procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. El Paso asbestos attorneys is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check 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 a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods 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 fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.