Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
racine asbestos law firm is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found 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 problems.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too.
Signs and 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, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 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 various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.