Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If beaumont asbestos attorneys are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise 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. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.