Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos 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. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but 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 exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to
asbestos claim exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when
asbestos attorney particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in
asbestos lawyer Litigation (
pyeonganlawf.Mireene.com) can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their
asbestos settlement exposure history. 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 form. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to
asbestos settlement so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.
