Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to 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 to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a 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 check the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as 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 greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
dothan asbestos attorneys can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request 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 in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.