Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in 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 help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts 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. yuma asbestos law firm are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.