Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for many years. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to 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. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos,
mesothelioma attorneys symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced significantly.
asbestos lawyers exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with 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 migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a
mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in
asbestos lawyers litigation will help you understand 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 no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
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. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.