Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This 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 the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought 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 spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact richmond asbestos attorney at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.