Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances 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 ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, lakeland asbestos attorneys conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.