Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma lawyer, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. 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 will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of 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. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma lawsuits diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded 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. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.