Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos Case and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos settlement can develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an 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 both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos law-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (go to this site) can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
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 including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos case so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the 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 combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.