Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes
asbestos case-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken 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 lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded 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 then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial 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 along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced.
asbestos settlement legal -
official www.alonegocio.net.br blog - exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. 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 accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in
asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide 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 diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate 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 reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.
