Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to
asbestos compensation exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to
asbestos attorney develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report 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 help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of
asbestos case exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation (
super fast reply) can assist you to understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect
asbestos compensation victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for
asbestos claim fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.
