The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Mesothelioma And Asbestos Must Know How To Answer
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or 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 method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. 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 is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid 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 biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
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 rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. 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 will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we can recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. bellflower asbestos attorneys must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined 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. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. New treatment options are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.