Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining 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 discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
sunrise asbestos lawyer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos 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 assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover 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. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire 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 in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.