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 generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
arkansas asbestos attorneys is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered 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 grow however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called 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 specialist can determine whether a patient has 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 mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim 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 must conduct physical exams 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 pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether 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 in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.