Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms like chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with
asbestos attorney exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between
asbestos case exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to be gradual and may impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent 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 people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When
asbestos case particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to
asbestos lawyer, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in
asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to get started. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their
asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.