Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. 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 happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long delay. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
fort smith asbestos lawyer will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of 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.