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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
hoover asbestos attorneys 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 developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We 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 must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately because of the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.