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 could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impact 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 doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
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 is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. murfreesboro asbestos lawyer will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.