Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the 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 look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. 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. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
gastonia asbestos law firm can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of 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 to check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require 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 concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.