Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop 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.
In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma attorneys, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma lawyer in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma attorneys expert can help determine if a patient suffers from 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 as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as 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 expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will help you through the whole process. 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 regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.