Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when
asbestos claim particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct 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, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving
asbestos compensation exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (
Recommended Web site) can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
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 many laws that impact
asbestos legal victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. 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 ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
