Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to
asbestos settlement exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops 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, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to
asbestos case and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll 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 crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with
asbestos settlement.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to
asbestos legal and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation (
fromdust.Art) can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could 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 to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.
