Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma attorney, making up about 1 to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma lawyer sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help 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 for mesothelioma of the pericardium. People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma lawyers cases that are malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area 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 both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost 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 laws that apply to asbestos victims and will help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician immediately due to the long latency period. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body's immune system to fight cancer.