Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mcallen asbestos attorney of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was 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 develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can 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'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.