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 generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
syracuse asbestos attorney have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using 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 find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.