Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. oklahoma city asbestos attorney to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that 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 the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
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 like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. 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 talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ 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 reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.