Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like radiographs, 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 very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known 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 tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
mesa asbestos attorney has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.