Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found 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, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. tennessee asbestos attorney may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the exact 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 which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee 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 victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide 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 available to you.
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 use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatments being developed which could provide better results 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 specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.