Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid 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.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. 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 identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the long delay. Gresham asbestos lawsuits should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.