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 typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 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
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 signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
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 identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. lorain asbestos lawyer is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.