Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
greeley asbestos lawsuit can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of instances. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
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 such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.