Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into 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 to develop, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover 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 many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
boulder asbestos lawsuit will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.