Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to
asbestos case develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best 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. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. 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 conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that may be related to
asbestos lawyer.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (
click the next page) can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting
asbestos attorney victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also 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 about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
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 for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.
