Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be 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 recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific 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 tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for 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 you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. bryan asbestos attorney 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 about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.