Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma lawsuit, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.