Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Brooklyn Park asbestos attorneys is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.