Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. 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.
Lakewood asbestos lawyers must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.