Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial
mesothelioma lawyer is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into 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 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 most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded 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 conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and
mesothelioma lawyer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a
Mesothelioma Lawsuit (
King-Wifi.Win).
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial
mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will walk you through the entire process from start 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 about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a
mesothelioma lawyer. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or 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 tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a smaller range of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.