Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart’s lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. While they don’t know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos claim develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops 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 also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don’t know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn’t acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos compensation exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos settlement.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos Legal-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love 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 collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify 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 whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.
