Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part 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 chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
palm coast asbestos attorneys has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find 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 that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many 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 adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.