Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
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 to develop however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims 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 whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
spokane asbestos law firm must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup 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 take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.