Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. virginia asbestos attorneys occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of 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 help you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.