Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
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. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
East Orange asbestos lawsuit of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain 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 of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best 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. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
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 tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if 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 are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole procedure. 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 to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are 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 look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.