Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyer can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. People with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma attorneys in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.