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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to Asbestos Legal exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
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. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining 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 surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for 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 suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos legal-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining 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 whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
asbestos law fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatments are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.