Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation 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 biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can get 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 knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download port st lucie asbestos attorneys to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe 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 detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined 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 is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results 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 another option that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.