Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to
asbestos Legal exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to
asbestos attorney in their workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when
asbestos settlement particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, 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 very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to
asbestos lawsuit and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will 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
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 various tests, including 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 up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells.