Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between
asbestos lawyer exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when
asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos [
Full Record]. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor.
asbestos settlement workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get 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 aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a series 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 can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.
