Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following
asbestos attorney exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has had a history of
asbestos lawyer should share their exposure history with doctors 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 move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through
mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
asbestos lawyer fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of
mesothelioma lawsuits, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
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 if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed that may provide better outcomes for patients. One such method involves 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 an individual's immunity to fight cancer.
