Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
stamford asbestos attorney can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the 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 often resemble those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use different tests such as 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 tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately due to the lengthy delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types, 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 mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.