Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may 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 affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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 determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. north charleston asbestos attorney are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide 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 have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine 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 check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.