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 usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial
mesothelioma Law is a result of
asbestos case fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach 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 aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood 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 history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an
asbestos litigation-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with
asbestos legal-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting
asbestos litigation victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.
