Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma lawsuit cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. 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 do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma lawyer cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.