Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by
asbestos legal. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that
asbestos settlement particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by
asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing
asbestos legal related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to
asbestos lawsuit may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.
