Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure 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 spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
Once north richland hills asbestos lawsuit has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.