The No. #1 Question That Everyone In Mesothelioma And Asbestos Should Be Able To Answer
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for decades. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
round rock asbestos lawsuit , one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly 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 may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.