Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. livonia asbestos attorney can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought 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, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in 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. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 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 need to 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 locate the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.