Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. elk grove asbestos attorneys is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
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 help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.