Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
asbestos litigation is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between
asbestos lawyer exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to
asbestos claim in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's 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 but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform 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 is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. 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 exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for
asbestos claim fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.
