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 or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma attorney, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a 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. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuits, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
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 physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined 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. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.