Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma 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 can be caught in the chest’s lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don’t know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos lawsuit in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient’s medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they’ll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move 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 thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos law-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk 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
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart’s function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual’s immunity to fight cancer.