Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
san bernardino asbestos law firm and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round 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 then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
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 vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long latency period. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves 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 seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.