Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. warwick asbestos lawsuit can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which 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 inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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 asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers 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 impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup 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 grow. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe 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 to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.