The Ugly Truth About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household items for a long time. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
A few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos law in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The lining of 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 start in the lining of the peritoneum 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 surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos compensation exposure should consult their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos case fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos legal victims and can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely require an echocardiogram in order to observe how well the heart is working and to see whether there is any lining that is thickening.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.