Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all 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 household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread 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 can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. clovis asbestos lawyer started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help 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 examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.