Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. victorville asbestos lawsuit include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors 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 that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.