Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may 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. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. loveland asbestos law firm with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific 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. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. 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 for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find 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 determine how the heart is working and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
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. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.