Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. syracuse asbestos lawsuit run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide 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 should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long delay. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.