Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, 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 testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup 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 expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesquite asbestos attorney with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
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. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 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 about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms 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 in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.