Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
hesperia asbestos lawyer diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.