Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma lawsuits, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup 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 the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma attorney also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary 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 that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma attorney and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to a 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 in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.