Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
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. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems 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 an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Abilene asbestos lawyers with a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of 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 can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.
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