Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
east orange asbestos attorneys has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.