Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
asbestos lawsuits is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial
mesothelioma attorney in just a handful of cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for the majority of
mesothelioma lawsuit tumors grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Nonetheless, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through
mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial
mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with
asbestos attorneys-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning 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 examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.