Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
cary asbestos lawsuit occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a wide range of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that 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 also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. 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 mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. 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 use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine 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. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.