Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma lawsuit symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma attorney appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover 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 many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly 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 determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.