Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow 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 develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can 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. 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 suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma-related family history have 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 uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
lakewood asbestos lawsuit can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. 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 fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.