Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. 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 is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to 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. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium 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 aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. danbury asbestos lawyer can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.