Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with 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 cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma lawsuit and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuits lawsuit (zenwriting.net noted).
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 determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. 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 attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have 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, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid 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. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Because pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.