Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common household and commercial products for a long time. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. killeen asbestos attorney can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long delay. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined 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 perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.