Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most
mesothelioma attorney tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for
mesothelioma lawyers and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (
Metooo`s blog).
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial
mesothelioma attorneys, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.