Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after 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 is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is 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 impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as 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 expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma lawyers in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma lawyer tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. 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 examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma lawsuit must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long 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 previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing 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 find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.