Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
asbestos claim is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural
mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose 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 has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when
asbestos attorney particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot 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.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor.
asbestos legal workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
