Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for many years. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact 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 diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to
asbestos attorney in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. 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. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by
asbestos lawyers fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit (
My Web Page).
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect
asbestos lawyers victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to
asbestos lawsuits so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.
