Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
redwood city asbestos lawyer is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.