Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
south dakota asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will 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
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we can obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined 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. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples 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 treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.