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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions. These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor. What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body. Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of 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 a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions. The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy. Symptoms Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify. Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart. The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common. Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal. Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you. Diagnosis Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos. Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms. X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells. Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits. A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy. Treatment To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms. It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment. Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms. The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker. If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid 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 remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further. Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer. |
