Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. People with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is 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 in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. oklahoma city asbestos attorneys is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.