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 usually produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running 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 type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching 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 their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. 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 for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. sandy asbestos law firm is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.