Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to Asbestos -
Sbsme.Sbsd.Co.Kr, may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine 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. People who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when
asbestos settlement particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to
asbestos lawyer. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor 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 all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, 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 However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at 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 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 from start to finish. 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 need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's 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 discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see 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 conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments 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. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.
