Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how
asbestos attorney causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person 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 mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup 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 a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos legal (
resources) exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and ask about
asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to
asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in
asbestos law litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
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 various laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined 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 remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
