Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. kansas city asbestos attorneys can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can obtain 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 numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.