Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known 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 specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to
asbestos claim and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in
asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. 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 impact
asbestos lawsuit victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor immediately because of the long time of latency.