Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma attorney, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuit, including pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to detect any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate 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 grow. Due to this long latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a physician immediately. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.