Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. While they don’t know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium 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 exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos attorney exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with 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 type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos compensation at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos law. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos settlement particles stick to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors don’t know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos legal (http://izicellbio.Com/) should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos attorney-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. 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 regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it’s important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person’s body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.