Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos litigation and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss 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 develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung’s lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos claim fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos legal particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect 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. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos legal exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren’t sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out 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.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician promptly because of the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart’s function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body’s immune system to fight cancer.