Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease 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 makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking 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
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get 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 aware of the numerous 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 contact us for assistance. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
maine asbestos law firm could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces 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, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.