Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
upland asbestos law firm is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, 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, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Those with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. 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 spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. 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 knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims 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'll guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long delay. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.