Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos Legal exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos lawyer-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that 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 grew from another area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. asbestos claim workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to 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 well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos case to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes 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 combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.