Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is 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 swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma lawyer, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.