Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs 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 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs 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 determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. 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 spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. beaverton asbestos attorney and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests like 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, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor 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 fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.