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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit only in a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair your ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup 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 can determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer 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 check the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, 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 tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop 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, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos attorney-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos lawsuit exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.