Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
brockton asbestos law firm of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can 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 may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.