Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades 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. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of 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 irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and can help you receive 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 start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this long time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart conditions and symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
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