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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos case exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. 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, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all 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 of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren’t sure of the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform 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, which causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of 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 occupational history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos settlement-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched 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 to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body’s immune system to fight cancer.