Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a variety of commercial and household products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest’s lining and abdominal cavities. mesothelioma lawsuit is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma attorney located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair 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 identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may 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.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart’s tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren’t aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient’s medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they’ll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos lawsuit-related symptoms.
Doctors don’t know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra 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 with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (relevant internet page).
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We’ll 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 available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it’s crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
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 order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart’s function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.