Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, beaverton asbestos lawsuit can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can 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 could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.