Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
A few doctors have found a connection between
asbestos lawsuit exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in around 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to irritate tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up 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 generally done by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in Asbestos Litigation [
trade-britanica.trade] can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct various tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells.