Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart’s lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos compensation exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get 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 a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. Although they aren’t sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn’t recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all 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. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos attorney-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. 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 to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos legal (Visit Webpage) fibers to penetrate the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request 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 function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces 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 more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.
