Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to 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. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal 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 should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. champaign asbestos lawyer should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
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 the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.