Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos lawyer.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops 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 male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos settlement. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos attorney workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
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 apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.
