Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. 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 properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is high point asbestos attorneys unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order 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 employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check 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 a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.