Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
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 irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain 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 numerous 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 will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize 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 of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since lafayette asbestos lawsuit is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.