Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining 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 handful of instances. They do not yet 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 partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding 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. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. 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 inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in 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 now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. jacksonville asbestos attorneys is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, 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 inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide 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 an individual's immunity to fight cancer.