Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
mission asbestos attorneys is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.