Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find 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 also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays 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 spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. Due to this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. fort collins asbestos law firm is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.