Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
kansas city asbestos lawyer is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household items for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of 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 may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to detect. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests 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 physician. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ 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 reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.