Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when 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, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The 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 most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. newport beach asbestos law firm may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, 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 need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.