Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren’t sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for 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 mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient’s medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn’t acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren’t sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. navasota asbestos lawsuit workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to council bluffs asbestos Lawyer could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. 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 aware of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 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 talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
