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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. mckinney asbestos law firm is an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of 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 there. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.