Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor 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 find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. 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 will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. 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 about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly due to the long time of latency. St. Joseph asbestos lawyers should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded 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. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.