Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form 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 aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma attorney symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance 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; a cool way to improve,.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if 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 fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma lawyer cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination 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 a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.