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 usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure 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 finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In Moreno Valley asbestos lawyers , pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach 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 which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.