Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round 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 such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. fargo asbestos lawsuit will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you 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
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.