Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma attorney is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the whole process. 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 regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to check how well the heart functions and to determine whether there is any lining thickening.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of tissue or fluid and send samples to a laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results 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 to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, that aims to boost an individual's immunity to fight cancer.