Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma lawsuit in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma attorney and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits, find more info,.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma lawyer cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted 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 to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Because pericardial mesothelioma attorneys has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes 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 seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.