Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In tucson asbestos attorneys of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.