Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma other 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 many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. 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. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get 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 finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician promptly because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. 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 detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. alhambra asbestos lawsuit is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.