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 results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
Boston asbestos attorney can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. 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 reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently 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 today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.