Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
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 doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
pembroke pines asbestos attorney can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
