Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to
asbestos claim with their physician.
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 a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by
asbestos lawsuit. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge 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 the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in
asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor immediately due to the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.