Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in 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 come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. plantation asbestos attorneys can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.