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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's 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 cause. The majority of doctors believe that 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 both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos compensation.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown 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 irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.