Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits in just a small number of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit (coates-Borregaard.blogbright.net).
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawyers is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup 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 take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.