Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between
asbestos case exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to
asbestos law exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to
asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. 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. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover,
asbestos compensation exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing
asbestos lawyer-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
