Brigette Coulter asked 2 months ago
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos settlement exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient’s asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often 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 include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos litigation exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart’s tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren’t aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient’s medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. 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
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors don’t know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via 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 determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting 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 calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they’ll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is working and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.