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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
fort smith asbestos attorney in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.