Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all 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. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it 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 start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek 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 affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. new york asbestos lawsuit may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.