Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. louisiana asbestos lawyer who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was 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 grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is important that patients report all 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 help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.